Astros consider keeping Tal’s Hill and the train for 2013

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The Astros are considering leaving Tal’s Hill and the left-field train intact for the 2013 season but a final decision hasn’t been made.

Key Astros personnel are expected to converge next week to evaluate market research that sought to determine how fans felt about both items, and fan input will play a significant part in the decision. While Astros owner/chairman Jim Crane mentioned Thursday during a press conference the hill and train will remain untouched next season, the organization will likely gather behind closed doors before making an official announcement, which could come by late October.

In late June, Crane said the Astros would evaluate both items in preparation for Houston’s upcoming move to the American League. The team is unveiling new uniforms Nov. 2, signage was replaced above the left field Crawford Boxes, and there have been numerous off-the-field changes since the 2012 season began.

Tal’s Hill has long been ridiculed by critics, while the train – which rolls above left field and is operated by an enthusiastic conductor – is one of Minute Maid Park’s quirkiest attractions.

If only one change is made for 2013, the hill is expected to go. The unorthodox tribute to former Astros president Tal Smith features a 90-foot incline near the 436-foot mark in deep center field and a flagpole at the peak of the hill. While no major league player has ever directly collided in-game with the feature, safety continues to be a concern.